Friday, September 07, 2012

Proper Keyboarding Technique

Yesterday, you learned how to log in and use your online keyboarding instruction program, Keyboarding Online. You can be proud of the fact that this system is used in high schools and community colleges around the world, and you are able to use this in middle school!

Today we will review proper body position and keyboarding technique. We will learn about the science of ergonomics, the science of fitting job demands (at work or play) with job conditions, and why it is important to understand ergonomics while keyboarding.
Ergonomics, Integrated Safety Management, Berkeley Lab

Building on Ms. Kline's "Intro to Keyboarding" lesson, today we will learn about the importance of proper hand placement, and how to use the "home row" or "home keys" to improve both your speed, measured in words per minute (WPM), and accuracy while keyboarding.



Click on the "Intro to Keyboarding" image to enlarge.

You can also download the pdf to your desktop after you have clicked on the hyperlink for this file under "Resources" on the right.

Labels: , , , , , , , ,

Thursday, September 06, 2012

Let's Start Keyboarding!

Today we will learn about the web-based keyboarding course, Keyboarding Online!

Open your browser and go to the website:
www.keyboardingonline.com
  • Click the red button that says "Login Now".
  • Enter the School Login and Password.
  • Click the Screen Based: Keyboard Mastery button.
  • Select the checkbox that states "Trust all applets from Ellsworth Publishing".
  • Click "Allow" when asked to download the Java application for Keyboarding Online.
  • Click "Open Existing Student File."
  • Click on this class period.
  • Click on your name.
  • Click "Open."
  • Enter your password.
  • Click "Set Up" on the left, then click on each tab to see how the system is set up for grading your keyboarding lessons.
  • Click "Introduction" and we will review this section as a class.
  • Click on each step, we will read them out loud as a class.
  • Follow the instructions in each section as required. These practice exercises will teach you how to use the Keyboarding Online program and will prepare you for the regular lessons.
  • Click "Lessons Menu."
  • Type only Line 1 in the Lesson 1, Line 1 window, do not type any other line at this time.
  • Repeat Line 1 if you still have time left on the timer. Don't forget this part or your WPM will drop!
  • The length of each timing is listed at the top of the window.
  • The timer is displayed at the bottom of the screen. When you reach the end of a sentence, you will hit the return key with your right pinky finger, and retype the line until your timer runs out.
  • You will only receive a score when you have reached 10 WPM.
  • You are required to type each line until you receive a score, but you may repeat a line to receive a higher score.
  • You will find your top three scores at the lower right hand side of the window.
  • Continue with Line 2 when you have received a score for Line 1.
  • Type Line 2 only in this new window. Don't forget to keep typing if your timer has not run out.
  • Continue this process for every line in each lesson.
  • Click "Progress Reports" and "Comprehensive" to check your progress.
  • Click "Grade Reports" and "Current Grade" to see your current grade.
You will be amazed at how quickly your speed and accuracy improve!

Labels: , , , , , , ,